Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector MTG Card


Enhances gameplay with card draw and mana untapping, boosting both offense and defense capabilities. Vigilance allows for flexibility, reacting to opponents’ moves while maintaining a solid defense. Dual mana cost and initial discard requirement present deck-building challenges to consider.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Noble
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

, : Exile another target creature you control. You may return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control. If you don't, at the beginning of the next end step, return that card to the battlefield under its owner's control with a vigilance counter and a lifelink counter on it.

"Ónen i-Estel Edain, ú-chebin estel anim."


Cards like Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector

Gilraen Dúnedain Protector introduces a resilient force on the battlefield in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Its comparison to other protective creatures like Knight of the White Orchid is noteworthy. Both cards offer valuable defensive capabilities, though Gilraen Dúnedain Protector can potentially boast higher toughness, benefiting from its power-granting abilities, unlike the Knight’s fixed stats.

Another card worthy of mention alongside Gilraen is the venerable Silver Knight. While Silver Knight shares the first strike ability, it does not provide the same level of dynamic board impact as Gilraen, since it lacks the power-boosting trait. Additionally, Mother of Runes stands as a classic in the protective creature lineup. Although it does not directly protect itself, Mother of Runes has an unmatched ability to shield other creatures from harm, a strategic advantage not inherent to Gilraen, which emphasizes self-buffing over the protection of others.

Ultimately, Gilraen Dúnedain Protector makes a strong case for itself among its contemporaries. It serves as both a formidable defensive option and a vehicle for augmenting a player’s forces, underscoring its unique role in Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of creature cards.

Knight of the White Orchid - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Knight of the White Orchid - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector by color, type and mana cost

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Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Town Sentry - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: As a vigilant presence on the battlefield, Gilraen Dúnedain Protector can be a consistent source of card advantage through its ability to potentially draw you additional cards while not tapping to attack or block.

Resource Acceleration: This card enhances your resource acceleration by potentially untapping a land each time a player casts a spell, allowing you to effectively have more mana available and cast spells sooner than usual.

Instant Speed: Thanks to its vigilant nature, Gilraen Dúnedain Protector affords you the flexibility to act with instant speed spells during your opponent’s turn without sacrificing a defense line – making it an optimal guardian who is always ready to respond to the dynamic flow of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Gilraen Dúnedain Protector requires you to discard another card, which can be detrimental if your hand is already depleted or if crucial pieces of your strategy are in your grip.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost necessitates both white and green mana, making it less flexible for inclusion in decks that function outside of these color combinations or run on a more color-diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that necessitates two white, one green, and additional generic mana, the investment is significant, especially when stacked against other options in the mana curve that may provide comparable or greater board presence or impact.


Reasons to Include Gilraen Dúnedain Protector in Your Collection

Versatility: Gilraen Dúnedain Protector stands out for its flexibility across various play styles. Its ability to protect key creatures makes it an asset in decks built around critical synergies or powerful commanders.

Combo Potential: This card can become a linchpin in combinations that aim to safeguard combo pieces, allowing players to execute their strategies without fear of interruption from targeted removal.

Meta-Relevance: Given a game environment where spot removal and interaction are prevalent, Gilraen’s protective ability keeps essential creatures in play, keeping your board state resilient against opposition strategies.


How to beat

Gilraen Dúnedain Protector is a card that stands out for its resilience and supportive abilities for your creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Similar to other creature cards that can protect and empower your board, beating Gilraen requires a well-thought strategy. One effective approach is to limit her ability to grant indestructible by using spells that force her to tap, such as those found in control decks.

Another tactic is to prioritize removal spells that can bypass her protection, like exile effects or those that change the creature’s base power and toughness to achieve a lethal state. Such spells can outmaneuver Gilraen’s defensive capabilities. Moreover, leveraging board wipes that apply to all creatures, regardless of their indestructibility status, can neutralize the advantage she provides. This particularly shines when used at a moment where the opponent is over-relying on her presence.

Ultimately, being proactive and disrupting the opponent’s strategy before Gilraen can establish control is key. Aim to remove her from the battlefield or minimize her impact through strategic planning and timely reactions, making sure to consider the dynamic of your deck versus your opponent’s strategy.


BurnMana Recommendations

Deepening your understanding of MTG means exploring the synergies and potential of cards like Gilraen Dúnedain Protector. As you weigh the pros and cons, consider how this vigilant guardian could enhance your deck’s resilience and flexibility. It’s not just about shielding your forces; it’s about capitalizing on every spell cast and keeping ahead of your opponent’s moves. With strategies to counteract its limitations, Gilraen could be a game-changer for your collection. Dive deeper into the strategic uses of Gilraen Dúnedain Protector and discover how to maximize its strengths in your gameplay. Visit us for insights and strategies to make Gilraen a cornerstone of your victories.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector MTG card by a specific set like Tales of Middle-earth Commander and Tales of Middle-earth Commander, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Marie Magny.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 4152015NormalBlackMarie Magny
22023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 972015NormalBlackMarie Magny
32023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 132015NormalBlackMarie Magny

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gilraen, Dúnedain Protector card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-06-16 If a token is exiled this way, it will cease to exist and won't return to the battlefield.
2023-06-16 When the card returns to the battlefield, it will be a new object with no connection to the card that was exiled. Auras attached to the exiled creature will be put into their owners' graveyards. Any Equipment will become unattached and remain on the battlefield. Any counters on the exiled creature will cease to exist.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.